16 Rooms for Black-and-White Decor Inspiration

Designers are always talking about achieving balance. Perhaps nowhere is that concept on better display than in black-and-white rooms, where the subtle equilibrium of opposing elements creates a stunning effect that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether in a living room or dining room, bedroom or bath, the serenity of white serves as a perfect complement to the bold drama of black details, a visual reminder of the power of negative space. Beyond the symbolic resonance, black-and-white interiors are effortlessly chic—they rarely go out of style. Here, we've rounded up 16 high-contrast rooms that are assertive yet subdued, timeless yet of-the-moment, and sure to inspire whatever dueling aspects of your personality need stimulating.

In the master bath of a Swiss villa designed by Studio Peregalli and Renzo Mongiardino, trompe l'oeil–painted walls join a floor set with blocks of Carrara and Bardiglio marble.

In Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber’s New York apartment, designed by Ashe + Leandro, a Ralph Lauren Home light fixture illuminates the master bath's Victoria + Albert tub, which has Dornbracht fittings; the mirror and chair are antique, and the penny tile is by Waterworks.

The kitchen in Holly Hunt’s Chicago apartment is outfitted with Holly Hunt Studio pendant lamps, cabinetry by Piero Lissoni for Boffi, a granite backsplash and counters, a Wolf range, and a floor of leathered French limestone.

In the master bedroom of Sheryl Crow’s Los Angeles home, the four-poster is by Jayson Home & Garden, with white linen bedding by Matteo; the writing table against the window is by LDC Home.

In interior designer Emily Summers’s Palm Springs, California, home, gathered around the living room fireplace are a Warren Platner settee, lounge chair, and ottoman, all upholstered in a fabric from Cowtan & Tout, and a wicker chair by Marc Newson.

In a New York townhouse decorated by Delphine Krakoff a guest bath is sheathed in Bisazza tile; the sink is by Kohler, and the shower and sink fittings are by Waterworks.

In the living room of a Manhattan apartment, decorated by MR Architecture + Decor, an artwork by Rodney Dickson hangs above a custom-made sofa clad in a Pollack velvet; the floor lamp is by Arredoluce, and the fox-fur pillows and calfskin rug are by J. Mendel.

A Benjamin Moore white brightens a guest room in Francisco Costa’s Long Island home, which was decorated by Mark Cunningham and furnished with a 1920s mahogany bed featuring Calvin Klein Home bedding.

Black-and-white floor tiles by Clé provide a graphic welcome at the Manhattan duplex apartment that actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber share with their two sons; the interiors were designed by the firm Ashe + Leandro.

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